With a huge amount of information available online about skincare products, the lists of products you have been recommended can appear extensive and unnecessarily complicated. So, what should you really have in your skincare routine?

From cleansers to serums, toners and moisturisers of all kinds, it’s all very confusing, not to mention the expense of purchasing these items individually.

What can you do to save yourself time and money? After all, it’s everyone’s goal to have a simple, yet effective skincare routine. Read on to discover our three key products you should use for a simple everyday skincare routine that works for your unique skin type.

Before you begin, you need to know your skin type. Do you have oily or dry skin? Do you have normal or combination skin? Or are you simply unsure of what any of these definitions mean? This article provides a deep dive into skin type variations and how to treat them accordingly.

Oily Skin

This skin type produces an excess of sebum. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. Its role is to protect the skin from dehydration via its moisturising properties. However, an excessive amount of sebum can cause the skin to appear shiny and feel overly greasy. Areas of excess sebum production tend to be concentrated around the T-zone, which refers to areas including the forehead, nose and chin.

People with oily skin should use an adequate amount of cleanser, at a high enough strength. However, please be aware that oily skin can be made worse by products which dry out the skin too much. It’s a question of finding a balance that is right for you. Another important point to remember is oily skin also requires moisturising.

Dry Skin

Dry skin types generally produce less sebum and natural oils than other skin types. Dry skin may appear dull and become scaly, rough or flaky. It is also prone to irritation and itchiness. Left untreated, dry skin may become progressively worse over time as this loss of an oily protective barrier in the skin could lead to further damage.

Oily skin primarily benefits from an intensive oil-containing moisturiser, applied at regular intervals throughout the day. It is also recommended to avoid oil-stripping cleansers or toners and to instead focus on a gentle cleanser, which is minimal in its oil-cleansing action.

Normal Skin

This skin type tends to be balanced, without feeling too dry or too oily. It isn’t prone to flakiness, breakouts, or feeling tight or greasy.

Normal skin, as with every skin type, will benefit from hydration in the form of moisturiser. Any type of moisturiser, cleanser and toner can be used to your personal preferences.

Combination Skin

Includes a combination of dry areas and oily areas on the face. Most commonly the cheeks tend to be dry or normal, whilst the T-zone is usually oily.

For combination skin, a gentle, balancing cleanser should be used twice daily. Follow it up with a moisturiser that is lightweight, oil-free and hydrating. Use your moisturiser at regular intervals, when you feel certain areas of the face beginning to feel dry.

Sensitive Skin

The term sensitive skin can be applied to any skin type mentioned above. If you have sensitive skin, it may appear itchy and red as a result of a reaction to a particular chemical or skincare product. It might also become dry and there may be an uncomfortable burning sensation caused by an inflammation and overstimulation of the small blood vessels under the skin. If you know you have sensitive skin, you may be able to determine which products and ingredients cause irritation and avoid them.

For sensitive skin, a mild, fragrance-free cleanser should be used twice daily. Follow it up with a gentle, hydrating moisturiser. Again, avoid any unnecessary chemicals, fragrances and perfumed products when selecting a moisturiser. If your skin has become dry as a result of a reaction to a product, please follow the instructions for dry skin, as above.

Our Skin Type Test

If you don’t know your skin type and want to save going to a dermatologist, this test could help you determine which skin type you have. Please note, however, this test is only a guideline, if you suffer from any severe skin conditions, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Firstly, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and wait 30 minutes. Then evaluate the following:

• If your skin feels tight and flaky – you may have dry skin
• If your skin feels shiny all over – this could be oily skin
• Shininess in the T-zone and dryness in other areas such as the cheeks – this may indicate combination skin
• Well hydrated and not overly oily skin, without any obvious issues – this indicates normal skin

3 Skin Care Must-Haves

Generally, there are three highly recommended steps of skincare that may help with the health of your skin, regardless of skin type.

1. Cleanser

It is recommended to cleanse twice a day, morning and evening. This helps remove any pollution, microbes and makeup from the skin. It is an important step that gets rid of dead skin cells and dirt.

• Moisturiser

This is the most basic step of any skincare routine, which is used to hydrate and soften the skin. It has been advised by dermatologists to be used all year round for all skin types, as it assists in preventing water loss through the outer layers of the skin. All skin types can benefit from the application of moisturiser.

• SPF

One of the most crucial steps that many people miss out of their skincare routine is using suncream. This product helps to prevent skin ageing in the development of fine lines and wrinkles. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help to prevent the formation of certain skin cancers. Even if the sun is obscured by cloud cover, the UV rays can still be potent enough to affect your skin.

The Takeaways:

Overall, if you are wondering whether or not you should splash out on a large collection of skincare products, that is a personal choice. However, if you are restricted by time, then a simple skincare routine like this could be suitable and effective for you.

Sensible group is a comparison site for financial services. Contact one of our skilled agents for more information on the ideal finance package for you.